Resuscitating Calcutta's soul: The Place 1860-by Namring delights 'cha' lovers

As the winter sets in firmly in Calcutta and the temperature drops, apart from taking out the colourful sweaters and winter wear from the 'almirah', the only thing that can keep the soul of Calcuttans warm is a cup of freshly brewed tea.

- PRIYANJALI DAS

A city steeped in cultural, literary and historical legacy, tea has been a part and parcel of life for the locals here since the advent of the East India Company. Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea right after waking up while enjoying the front pages of the paper and soaking in the warmth of the sunrays, having a heated political debate at the 'parar cha er dokan' or being served a cup of tea in delicate chinaware the moment you step into your relatives' home, tea has always been in a love affair with the people of Calcutta and beyond.

Ask a Bengali how they love their tea, and you will get to hear diverse but extremely detailed and specific instructions on how tea should be made based on the type of leaves; steep it for a short time, and you will get a diluted version; steep it for too long, and the tea would come out bitter and strong. However, the traditional art and rhythm of tea culture are slowly declining among the younger generation due to fast-paced lifestyles, incorporating Western practices (a cup of Americano or flat white perhaps?), and the perception that tea is 'old fashioned'.